Brownie Uniform Through The Years

The 1914 Uniform

Brownies were originally called Rosebuds and were founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell after the younger sisters of the Guides and Scouts showed an interest in joining the Guide Association. The Girl Guides Gazette suggested that Rosebuds wear a dark blue skirt, knitted jersey, cap or tam and the Rosebud Brooch.

The 1915 Uniform

The Rosebuds were not very keen on their name. In 1915 Lord Baden Powell's sister Agnes suggested the name 'Brownies', who were helpful little creatures in a fairy story she loved.

There were several variations of uniforms for the Brownies, of which the model is wearing a 1915-1916 version. The blue uniform continued as an alternative until 1921.

The 1934 Uniform

A summer uniform was introduced for the Brownies aswell as a cotton cloth hat that soon became the most popular item of head wear. Later they were given an option of wearing a gold rather than a brown tie, as long as the whole Pack wore the same.

The 1950 Uniform

A brown wool beret was introduced for Brownies in 1950, and stockings were removed from the official Brownie uniform list. In 1964 Brownies were also allowed to wear a cardigan!

The 1967 Uniform

In 1967 a new brown cotton dress was introduced for the Brownies with a yellow crossover tie.
In 1973 a knitted brown hat with a pom pom was introduced, replacing a brown beret.

The 1990 Uniform

In 1990 Jeff Banks designed a whole new look for the Brownies. The girls could choose from a number of items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, culottes, baseball cap and sweatpants. Brownies now wore their badges on a sash.

The Present Day Uniform- Been in use since 2002

Today's Brownie uniform was designed by dresser to the stars: Ally Capellino.
The clothes range today which is a modern collection of mix and match items which keeps the traditional Brownie colours with a touch of sky blue. It includes: hooded jackets, boot cut leggings, body warmers, t-shirts and skorts (shorts with a flat front like a skirt).